Casting Embarrassment Aside and Collecting Evidence
If you have been injured in a slip and fall accident, know that you are not alone. Many thousands of people are injured each year?some very seriously?when they slip and fall on a dangerous floor.
December 03, 2009 /24-7PressRelease/ -- Casting Embarrassment Aside and Collecting Evidence
Article provided by Law Offices of J. Scott Nooney & Associates
Visit us at www.scottnooney.com
If you have been injured in a slip and fall accident, know that you are not alone. Many thousands of people are injured each year some very seriously when they slip and fall on a dangerous floor.
The problem with slip and fall accidents is that they are often embarrassing for the injured party. It can be an awkward situation when one falls and is hurt; so awkward that one's first instinct is to leave to get as far away from the scene as possible?no matter how much pain one is experiencing. More often than not, a person in a slip and fall accident discovers later that they have been seriously injured and now they have no documentation of the incident.
Therefore, the following steps are very important after a slip and fall accident:
- Let the embarrassment go.
Often times we let the embarrassment dictate our actions. It is very important that after you fall to not allow embarrassment to overcome you. Cast it aside, get your thoughts together, and start thinking clearly.
- Make observations about your surroundings.
What is going on around you is very important. Immediately look at where you were standing and identify any hazards, obstructions, spills, or conditions that may have caused your fall. Remember hazards are not limited to items on the floor. An inadequate handrail, for example, can be the cause of a fall. Also, make note of any signs or warnings of slipping or tripping hazards or conditions that may be present.
After making observations about your physical surroundings start looking for witnesses. If anyone is standing near by, ask them if they saw you fall and ask them for their information. Witnesses can be a key piece of information in a slip and fall claim.
- Record your observations.
In this day and age a large majority of the population carries a cellular phone with them at all times. This technology may be equipped with a camera. Photos taken with a camera phone can be printed and used later, if needed. If you do not carry one or have one with you ask someone standing nearby to take photos.
- Make a report.
In most cases, a manager or employee will take an incident report. It is important to be as detailed as possible when relaying the accident for the incident report. If you do not personally fill out the incident report, ask to review the report and make changes as needed. Obtain a copy of the report. If possible, get a business card from the employee or manager having that person's name and information can be very useful. If a report is not made it is very important that you write a letter to the store or owner detailing the incident. Remember to keep a copy of the letter for your records and mail the original to the store or owner as soon as possible.
If you, or a loved one, have suffered or been injured in a slip and fall accident, you should consult with an attorney. An attorney will be able to answer your questions regarding a property owner's legal liability and help you know your legal rights.
Article provided by Law Offices of J. Scott Nooney & Associates
Visit us at www.scottnooney.com
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